dramatize

verb

dra·​ma·​tize ˈdra-mə-ˌtīz  ˈdrä- 

dramatized; dramatizing

transitive verb

1

: to adapt (something, such as a novel) for theatrical presentation

2

: to present or represent in a dramatic manner

intransitive verb

1

: to be suitable for dramatization

2

: to behave dramatically

dramatizable

ˈdra-mə-ˌtī-zə-bəl 

ˈdrä-

adjective

Examples of dramatize in a Sentence

The movie dramatizes her early life.

The book is dramatized in a new play.

I know I tend to dramatize things but it really was awful.

She cited a series of statistics to dramatize the seriousness of the problem.

This tragedy dramatizes the need for improvements in highway safety.

Recent Examples on the Web

Both supporters and opponents of the attacks are likely to dramatize events. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 23 June 2025

This is a spectacle that is constructed by the federal administration to dramatize the threat, the fear, for people who aren’t local Angelenos, who are very far from the actual place. —Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025

Good American Family, which dramatizes the headline-capturing adoption of Natalia Grace, did appear to be generating quite a bit of buzz for Disney, consistently ranking in the top five on the Hulu Top 15 Today list every day since launch. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 6 May 2025

The Law & Crime Network has even used AI to help dramatize the trial. —Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

dramat-, stem in derivation of drama + -ize

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for dramatize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

dramatize

verb

dram·​a·​tize

ˈdram-ə-ˌtīz,

ˈdräm-

1

: to make into a drama

2

: to present or represent in a dramatic manner

dramatization

ˌdram-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən

ˌdräm-

noun